How to Plant a Scarlet Curls Willow

by Amelia Allonsy

"Scarlet Curls" willow (Salix matsudana x S. alba "Scarlet Curls") is a hybrid willow cultivar known for it's reddish stems and curly foliage. This small tree is hardy in United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5a through 10b, although the red color is less intense in warmer climates. With a maximum height of 25 feet, "Scarlet Curls" is well-suited for planting underneath power lines and other overhead structures. Plants are difficult to propagate from seed, but you can purchase young trees from nurseries or propagate plants from cuttings.

1

Select a location for the tree that receives at least six hours of sun per day and has enough space to accommodate "Scarlet Curl's" 15-foot mature canopy size.

2

Dig a hole as deep as the soil ball or container and two to three times the diameter of the soil ball or container.

3

Work in finished compost and other organic matter, such as grass clippings, leaves, straw or sand, if desired, to improve the soil condition. "Scarlet Curls" willows are adaptable to most soil conditions and can thrive in poor soil condition, but there is no harm in adding nutrients and improving soil drainage.

4

Cut the sides of the container with a razor knife to remove the tree if the young tree is in a temporary pot. Loosen the roots with your hands to encourage the roots to spread when planted in the ground. If the tree contains a soil ball wrapped with burlap -- balled and burlapped -- you must remove all the wire or string around the burlap. You can fold the top of the burlap away from the root crown and leave the rest of the burlap in place when the tree is in the hole, but some people prefer to remove the burlap entirely.

5

Place the tree in the ground, lifting it with a shovel if necessary to keep as much of the soil ball intact as possible.

6

Fill in the hole with soil and pack the soil gently around the roots. Remember that the tree should not be buried any deeper than when in its original container or soil ball.

7

Water the soil around the willow tree to keep the soil moist. "Scarlet Curls" is fairly drought tolerant and does well with a deep watering about once per week.

8

Fertilize the willow tree after planting with finished organic compost or a complete fertilizer such as 10-10-10 that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Repeat application annually each spring.

9

Spread a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch material around the base of the tree to suppress weed growth and retain moisture in the soil. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and infestation.

10

Support the tree with a wooden stake or wire cage at least until it develops a strong trunk.

Things You Will Need

Digging tools

Finished compost

Organic matter

Razor knife

Shovel

Fertilizer

Mulch

Wooden stake or wire cage

Tip

"Scarlet Curls" willow is popular in flower arrangements; add some of the branches to your next fresh flower arrangement.

About the Author

Based in West Virginia, Amelia Allonsy began writing in 2004. Her specializations include cooking, baking, gardening, and cultural topics. She received her Bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. Her work has been published by the "San Francisco Chronicle," "Opposing Views Culture," Synonym.com, ModernMom Garden, ModernMom Food, Livestrong.com and GlobalPost Food.

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